Courageous by Dr. Robert JeffressSýnishorn

Help Others 

When thrown into life-threatening situations, most of us tend to focus on self-preservation. Often, people focus on saving their own lives and let others fend for themselves. But on September 11, 2001, that was not true of Brian Clark or Stanley Praimnath. Both men worked in the South Tower of 2 World Trade Center in New York. 

Brian heard Stanley’s call for help, so he left his group and followed the sound of this stranger’s voice, but discovered a wall separated them. Persisting until he found a part of the wall he could pull Stanley through, the two men continued, choosing escape by the stairwell that Brian’s group had not chosen. Had Brian not responded to Stanley’s cries, he would have been with his coworkers that perished when the tower collapsed. Ultimately, each man saved the other’s life.

Those who help others during difficult times are able to shift their perspective from victim to rescuer. By doing so, they ensure better outcomes not only for others but often for themselves as well. As followers of Jesus, you and I are to reject the attitude of selfishness. Even when we go through challenging times, we are not to turn our backs on others. Rather, God has given us the responsibility to help people wherever and whenever we can.

When Jesus had the opportunity to summarize His ministry on earth, He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). Jesus was 

The survival skills we’ve learned are essential to navigating the difficult and often treacherous terrain of today’s world. Hope is the substance that holds all of them together—the one virtue of the Christian faith that, if lost, “makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12). Like the apostle Paul, who was “always of good courage” no matter what he faced, we too can courageously face whatever evil comes our way, knowing that the One “who delivered us from so great a peril of death . . . will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope” (2 Corinthians 1:10). If we believe that and never give up hope, then no matter what comes, we will do more than survive—we will thrive!

What causes you to lose hope? Ask God to protect your heart and mind so that faith, not circumstance or person, anchors you to the hope of Jesus Christ.